Album Review: SpellBook – Magick & Mischief (Cruz Del Sur Music)

Vintage, adventurous proto-metal that taps into the deep well of ’70s rock! Formerly known as Witch Hazel, SpellBook marries Black Sabbath, Pentagram and progressive rock for seven songs of entrancing classic metal! Magick & Mischief will be released on September 25th 2020 via Cruz Del Sur Music.

Vintage is the right word to describe what you’ll hear on Magick & Mischief and while that might immediately turn some people off, it should be noted that this is far more than a dated album.

Sure, if you were told it was originally released back in 1979, you might marvel at the quality of the recording but you’d probably believe it. That being said, the modern era certainly doesn’t have enough great bands marrying classic and progressive rock to such a quality standard.

It’s after the groovy and good-time pace of Wands to the Sky that Spellbook really begin to show what they’re made of. With both Black Shadow and Ominous Skies showcasing pure energy in that slow and sexy riff heavy way. The former’s chorus one that just makes to you want to shout and sing along too. While the former gets a bit forensic with the progressive guitars.

Not Long for This World changes things up though by being a much longer and much more eclectic offering. Here, it’s all about evolution as Spellbook go from drawling and moody rhythm with thick and greasy bass in a smokey, dark room to an energetic, nippy dance floor filler.

Followed by the classy Motorcade where the riffs are simply bulletproof and a gloomy drop in tone shows off some imagination with just a touch of electronica to add an extra layer to it. Whereas Amulet/Fare Thee Well’s classic sounding melodies keep things interesting, especially with the melodramatic ending.

Finally Dead Detectives ends things in spectacular style. Coming in at over 11 minutes, this is Spellbook unleashed and just having fun showing just how wildly different they can be. Telling a unique story that plays out using recordings that fill in the blanks. It’s got that ‘noir’ feel at first but develops into some that is surprisingly grand as it goes on. It’s pretty damn amazing.

Spellbook – Magick & Mischief Full Track Listing:

1. Wands to the Sky
2. Black Shadow
3. Ominous Skies
4. Not Long for This World
5. Motorcade
6 Amulet/Fare Thee Well
7. Dead Detectives

Links

Bandcamp | Facebook | Cruz Del Sur Music